MEMA Warns that Looming Threat of Tariffs on Automobiles and Motor Vehicle Parts Will Hurt American Economy

Since day one of the administration’s Section 232 investigation into placing tariffs on automobiles and motor vehicle parts on the basis of national security, the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) has warned that imposing tariffs will put jobs at risk, impact consumers, and trigger a reduction in U.S. investments that could set us back decades. The uncertainty created by the threat of these tariffs is straining businesses and working against the President’s goal of creating jobs in the United States.

Open markets and integrated supply chains provide a proven framework for economic growth and jobs in our industry. MEMA’s message to the White House remains clear:  the importation of motor vehicle parts is not a risk to our national security. To the contrary, the threat of tariffs or quotas on automobiles and motor vehicle parts is putting our economic security and technology leadership in jeopardy. 

MEMA represents the largest sector of manufacturing jobs in the United States. Motor vehicle suppliers directly employ over 871,000 U.S. workers, with a total employment-induced impact of 4.26 million jobs. Suppliers generate 2.4 percent of the U.S. GDP.